Method of producing customizable automotive electronic systems

Abstract

The software and hardware resources of an electronic system are organized in an architecture which creates a single data table in program memory for the assignment of user controls to system functions. User controls can be reassigned through appropriate modifications to this table. Thus, minor changes to the user controls can be implemented without modifying the software or hardware of the system, thereby avoiding significant development cost. Furthermore, standard products can be developed which can be customized to the needs of particular applications of the products or variations for local markets.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for producing a customizable electronic system having fixed control software for performing steps to adjust respective controllable features in response to respective function identifier signals and having a control bezel for manually controlling said controllable features, said method comprising the steps of: selecting which of said controllable features are to be manually controlled at said control bezel;   selecting a layout for said control bezel including user control elements for indicating desired changes in said controllable features; and   providing a button index coupled to said user control elements to generate a respective button index signal corresponding to each user control element when said user control elements are manually activated; and   customizing a function identifier lookup table stored in a reprogrammable memory and coupled to said button index so that said function identifier lookup table maps each respective button index signal to a respective function identifier signal.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein said customizing step is performed during initial manufacture of said electronic system. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein said electronic system is an automotive subsystem for installation in a vehicle, and wherein said customizing step is performed at a vehicle assembly plant in accordance with the identity of a particular vehicle into which said automotive subsystem is being installed.